What you need to do to renew in Hawaii
Hawaii renews driver's licenses by mail or in person at a driver licensing office. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date — that notice tells you whether you're may be able to access to renew by mail or must come in person.
Most renewals are handled by mail if you have no medical conditions, no address changes, and no outstanding tickets or suspensions. If you renew by mail, you send your current license, the renewal notice, and a check to the address on the notice. Processing takes about two weeks. If you must renew in person, you'll go to a licensing office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
Hawaii licenses are valid for four years. The cost is $54 for a standard four-year renewal, or $36 for a two-year renewal if you prefer a shorter term. Payment is by check or money order for mail renewals; offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration and tells you whether to renew by mail or visit an office in person.
- Mail renewals require your current license, the renewal notice, and a check sent to the address printed on the notice.
- In-person renewals need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment.
- A four-year renewal costs $54; a two-year renewal costs $36.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, but waiting for the renewal notice ensures you have the correct mailing address and instructions.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is the simplest route if Hawaii sends you a renewal notice saying you're may be able to access. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and the mailing address. You'll include your current license, the notice itself, and a check or money order for $54 (four years) or $36 (two years). Do not send cash.
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date to allow time for processing and delivery. Hawaii typically processes mail renewals within two weeks of receipt, but postal delays can add time on both ends. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your renewal notice.
If you don't receive a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, contact the Hawaii Department of Transportation Driver Licensing office at 808-532-4961 (Oahu) or check the statewide number on the HDOT website. You can also visit an office in person to renew if the mail option doesn't work for you.
Renewing in person at a licensing office
Visit a Hawaii driver licensing office if your renewal notice says you must renew in person, or if you prefer not to renew by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 12 months (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail), and payment. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.
Hawaii has licensing offices on Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii (Hilo and Kona), Maui (Kahului), and Kauai (Lihue). Hours vary by location; check the HDOT website or call ahead before you go. Walk-in service is available, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the HDOT website.
Processing at an office is usually when ready. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within two to three weeks.
When you must renew in person
Hawaii requires in-person renewal if you have a medical condition affecting your ability to drive, if your address has changed and you can't update it by mail, if you have an outstanding ticket or suspension, or if your license was suspended or revoked. The renewal notice will specify the reason you must come in.
If you have a medical condition, bring documentation from your doctor. If you're renewing after a suspension or revocation, bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted — this usually comes from the HDOT or the court that issued the suspension. The licensing office will review your documents and tell you whether you can renew when ready or whether you need to complete additional steps.
Renewing an expired license
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — by mail or in person. Hawaii will treat it as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must take a written test and vision test at a licensing office; you cannot renew by mail. You'll also need to provide proof of residency and pay the renewal fee.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment to a licensing office. You'll take the written test on a computer at the office. If you pass, you'll take the vision test when ready after. If you pass both, you'll receive a temporary license and your permanent license will be mailed to you.
Changing your address during renewal
If you're moving, update your address when you renew. For mail renewals, include a note with your new address and proof of residency at the new address (lease, utility bill, or bank statement). For in-person renewals, bring proof of your new address and the licensing office will update your record before processing your renewal.
If you're moving before your renewal notice arrives, contact the HDOT to update your address so the notice is mailed to your new home. You can call 808-532-4961 (Oahu) or visit the HDOT website to update your address online if that option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No, Hawaii does not offer online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal is the closest option to online — you send your documents by mail and receive your new license by mail without visiting an office.
What if I lose my renewal notice?
Contact the HDOT at 808-532-4961 (Oahu) or visit a licensing office. You can renew in person without the notice if you have your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will process your renewal the same way.
How long is my temporary license good for?
A temporary paper license issued at an office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If it doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact the HDOT to check the status.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
For mail renewal, you keep your current photo. For in-person renewal, the office takes a new photo. If you want a new photo during a mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a licensing office along with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. You cannot renew by mail if your name has changed — you must renew in person.